Connector suitable for use in jewelry

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a connector suitable for use in jewelry, comprising a female component configured for reversible mating with a male component.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application gains priority from UK Patent Application GB 1603687.3 filed 3 Mar. 2016, which is included by reference as if fully set-forth herein.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in some embodiments, relates to the field of connectors, and more specifically, to connectors suitable for use in jewelry.

The use of connectors in jewelry is well known for various purposes including:

reversibly securing piercing jewelry such as earrings and studs to the body of a wearer; reversibly attaching ends of elongated encircling jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets when putting on or removing the jewelry from a wearer; and reversibly associating a decorative element from an item of jewelry, such as a gem stone of a ring or pendant.

Many known connectors have disadvantages when used in jewelry, often including one or more of: not being sufficiently secure or being fine and consequently weak, therefore risking undesirable detachment; being gross and unaesthetic; and/or comprising a relatively large amount of less valuable material such as base metals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention relate to connectors suitable for use in jewelry, some of which embodiments have one or more advantages over known connectors used in jewelry.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a connector suitable for use in jewelry, comprising:

-   a female component configured for reversible mating with a male     component, the male component including a male body and a retention     pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away     from the male body, (that is to say, the retention pin is directed     away from the male body in the locking direction) -   the female component including:     -   i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume,         the hollow female body having:         -   a perforation through the wall for accepting a retention pin             of a male component therethrough into the internal volume,             and         -   a button hole through the wall across from the perforation             providing fluid communication into the internal volume;     -   ii. a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of         a male component when the retention pin of the male component is         positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male         component connected to the female component; and     -   iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and         movable along the axis, having:         -   a locking state where the locking component engages the             retention pin of a male component; and         -   a releasing state wherein the push button is moved away from             the button hole into the inner volume of the female body in             a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction,             releasing the retention pin of the male component from the             locking component, thereby allowing separation of the male             component from the female component.

In some embodiments, the connector further comprises: a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is also provided a connector including two reversibly mateable components suitable for use in jewelry, comprising:

-   a. a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the     retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the     male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from     the male body in the locking direction); and -   b. a female component configured for reversible mating with the male     component, the female component including:     -   i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume,         the hollow female body having:         -   a perforation through the wall for accepting the retention             pin of the male component therethrough into the internal             volume, and         -   a button hole through the wall across from the perforation             providing fluid communication into the internal volume;     -   ii. a locking component configured to engage the retention pin         of the male component when the retention pin of the male         component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding         the male component connected to the female component; and     -   iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and         movable along the axis, having:         -   a locking state where the locking component of the female             component engages the retention pin of the male component;             and         -   a releasing state wherein the push button is moved away from             the button hole into the inner volume of the female body in             a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction,             releasing the retention pin from the locking component,             thereby allowing separation of the male component from the             female component.

In some embodiments, in the locking state the push button is nestled against an inner surface of the button hole.

In some embodiments, the retention pin and the male body are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the retention pin is secured to the male body.

In some embodiments, the retention pin is located near the center of the male body. In some embodiments, the retention pin is located off-center of the male body.

In some embodiments, the female body comprises: a front cap bearing the perforation; and a backing ring defining the button hole. In some such embodiments, the front cap and the backing ring are reversibly mutually attached, e.g., by complementary screw threads as known in the art of gold watches while in some embodiments, the front cap and the backing ring are fixedly mutually attached, e.g., are welded together.

In some embodiments, when the male component is connected to the female component, the view to at least some portion of the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the locking direction (and to the axis) is obstructed by part of the female body. In some such embodiments, the portion of the seam between the female body and the male body to which the view is blocked is a portion of not less than 90°, not less than 120°, not less than 180°, not less than 240°, and even not less than 270°. In some such embodiments, when the male component is connected to the female component, the view to the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the downward direction is substantially entirely obstructed by part of the female body.

In some embodiments, when the male component is connected to the female component, the view to at least some portion of the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the locking direction (and to the axis) is obstructed by part of the male body. In some such embodiments, the portion of the seam between the female body and the male body to which the view is blocked is a portion of not less than 90°, not less than 120°, not less than 180°, not less than 240°, and even not less than 270°, In some such embodiments, when the male component is connected to the female component, the view to the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the downward direction is substantially entirely obstructed by part of the male body.

Such partial or complete covering of the seam (whether by the male or by the female body) helps reduce, if not entirely eliminates, separation of a connected male and female components by insertion of an object (accidental or not) into the seam to pry the two components apart.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is configured so that when the male component is connected to the female component, substantially no tilting motion of the retention pin relative to the perforation perpendicular to the axis is possible. by “configured” is meant that parts of the male component and the female component are shaped, dimensioned and/or include features so that when the male component is connected to the female component, substantially no tilting motion of the retention pin relative to the perforation perpendicular to the axis is possible. In some embodiments, such configuration includes that the fit between the male component and the female component is sufficiently tight to prevent substantial such tilting motion. In some embodiments, such configuration includes that the tolerance between the male component and the female component is sufficiently small to prevent substantial such tilting motion. Prevention of substantial such tilting motion helps reduce, if not entirely eliminates, separation of connected male component and female components by application of a force not through the push-button.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is configured so that when the male component is connected to the female component, the male component cannot substantially rotate around the axis relative to the female component. By “configured” is meant that parts of the male component and the female component are shaped, dimensioned and/or include features so that when the male component is connected to the female component, the male component cannot rotate around the axis relative to the female component. For example, in some embodiments, such configuration includes that at least one of the male component and the female component comprises an anti-rotation feature so that when the male component is connected to the female component, the anti-rotation feature prevents the rotation of the male component around the axis relative to the female component.

In some such embodiments, such configuration includes that the periphery of the male body comprises features that engage features of the female component to prevent rotation of the male body around the axis relative to the female body. In such embodiments, the features of the male components and the corresponding female features taken together are an anti-rotation feature that prevents the male component from rotating around the axis relative to the female component.

In some such embodiments, such configuration includes that the periphery of the female body comprises features that engage features of the male component to prevent rotation of the male body around the axis relative to the female body. In such embodiments, the features of the male components and the corresponding female features taken together are an anti-rotation feature that prevents the male component from rotating around the axis relative to the female component.

In some such embodiments, such configuration includes that at least one of the male component and the female component comprises an anti rotation pin configured to engage a hole in the other component when the male component is connected to the female component, thereby preventing rotation of the male body around the axis relative to the female body. In other words, at least one of the male component and the female component comprises an anti rotation pin that can engage a hole in the other component when the male component is connected to the female component thereby preventing the rotation around the axis. In such embodiments, the anti-rotation pin and the corresponding hole taken together are an anti-rotation feature that prevents the male component from rotating around the axis relative to the female component.

In some embodiments, when the push button is in the locking state, the push button extends no further than flush with the female body in the locking direction.

In some embodiments, the retention pin comprises at least one feature configured to be engaged by the locking component and the locking component is configured to engage the retention pin through at least one of the at least one features when in the locking state. that is to say the retention pin comprises at least one feature that is engageable by the locking component and the locking component can engage the retention pin through the least one feature when in the locking state,

In some such embodiments, at least one such feature of the retention pin comprises protrusions on the retention pin. In some such embodiments, the locking component comprises features configured to reversibly mate with the protrusions of the retention pin in the locking state, that is to say the locking pin comprises features that reversibly mate with the protrusions of the retention pin in the locking state.

In some such embodiments, at least one such feature of the retention pin comprises a ridge on the retention pin having a greater dimension than a portion of the retention pin immediately above the ridge. As is seen from the Figures, “above” is in the disengagement direction opposite the locking direction. In some such embodiments, the ridge is a circumferential ridge around the retention pin. In some such embodiments, a portion of the locking component is configured to contact the ridge when in the locking state, that is to say the locking pin has a portion that contacts the retention pin ridge in the locking state.

In some embodiments, the locking component comprises an elastic member configured to bias the locking component to ordinarily engage the retention pin when the retention pin is positioned through the perforation and the push button is in the locking state, that is to say the locking component comprises an elastic member that biases the locking component to ordinarily engage the retention pin when the retention pin is positioned through the perforation and the push button is in the locking state. In some such embodiments, the elastic member of the locking component comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer, especially an elastomer such as silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the connector is devoid of a component that pushes the male component away from the female component in the disengagement direction.

In some embodiments, the push button comprises a portion that, when the push button is moved away from the button hole (that is to say, in the disengagement direction), contacts the retention pin, thereby pushing the male component away from the female component in the disengagement direction.

In some such embodiments, the portion that contacts the retention pin when the push button is moved away from the button hole comprises a push-peg. In some embodiments, the push-peg is integrally formed with the push button. In some embodiments, the push-peg is attached to the push button. In some such embodiments, the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin are configured to mate. Specifically, by “configured to mate” is meant that the two distal ends are shaped, dimensioned and/or include features so that they are mateable. In some embodiments, the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin are configured to self-center when mated. In some such embodiments, a first one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is convex and a second one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is concave. In some such embodiments, a first one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is a ball and a second one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is a corresponding socket.

In some embodiments, in the locking state the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin are separated by not more than 0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the push button comprises a portion that, when the push button is moved away from the button hole (in the disengagement direction), the portion contacts a part of the locking component to move the part and thereby to at least partially disengage the locking component from the retention pin. In some such embodiments, the part of the locking component that is moved is moved sideways in a direction perpendicular to the locking direction when the push button is moved away from the button hole (in the disengagement direction). In some embodiments, the portion of the push button is a release pin that protrudes from the push button in the disengagement direction opposite the locking direction. In some such embodiments, the release pin hays a tapering distal end.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein further comprises an elastic button biaser, biased to ordinarily maintain the push button in the locking state. In some such embodiments, the button biaser comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer, especially an elastomer such as silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is flat; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is flat. That said, in some embodiments when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is curved; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is curved.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of an item of jewelry for reversibly associating an element with the jewelry, for example, the connector is part of a pendant that allows reversible association of a decorative element with the rest of the pendant.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of an item of encircling jewelry for reversibly attaching ends of the encircling jewelry, for example, the connector serving as chain lock of a necklace or hip chain.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of an item of piercing jewelry, for reversibly securing the piercing jewelry to the body a wearer. In some embodiments, the retention pin is configured to pass through bodily tissue when the piercing jewelry is worn, that is to say, the retention pin is suitable for passing through bodily tissue when the piercing jewelry is worn, which in some embodiments includes one or more of a suitable shape, suitable dimensions, and suitable surface texture and composition. for example, the connector used to secure an earring to a wearer, wear the retention pin passes through a pierced ear lobe.

In some embodiments, when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of said male component facing said female component is flat; and at least a portion of said female component facing said male component is flat. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the male component facing the female component is flat. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the female component facing the male component is flat.

In some embodiments, when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is curved; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is curved. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the male component facing the female component is curved. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the female component facing the male component is curved.

In some instances, especially in the priority document, the term “translated” is used as a synonym for the term “moved”.

In some instances, especially in the priority document, the term “downward direction” is used as a synonym for the term “locking direction”.

In some instances, especially in the priority document, the term “direction opposite the downward direction” is used as a synonym for the term “disengagement direction”.

As noted above, a male component according to the teachings herein includes a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body which is equivalent to the male component including a male body and a retention pin directed away from the male body, the retention pin defining an axis which defines the locking direction.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, will take precedence.

As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” and grammatical variants thereof are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. These terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, when a numerical value is preceded by the term “about”, the term “about” is intended to indicate +/−10%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments of the invention may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative discussion and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

In the Figures:

FIGS. 1A to 1F schematically depict a pendant including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein:

-   -   FIG. 1A a side view from the y-direction of the pendant with the         male component and the female component mutually connected;     -   FIG. 1B the male component in side cross section viewed from the         y-direction;     -   FIG. 1C a top view from the z-direction of the male component;     -   FIG. 1D a radial-force spring constituting the locking component         of the connector;     -   FIG. 1E the pendant in side cross section viewed from the         x-direction with the male component and the female component         mutually connected; and     -   FIG. 1F the pendant in side cross section viewed from the         y-direction with the male component and the female component         mutually connected;

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically depict a ring including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein:

-   -   FIG. 2A the ring in side cross section viewed from the         y-direction with the male component and the female component         mutually connected; and     -   FIG. 2B the ring in top cross section viewed from the         z-direction showing the locking component;

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically depict a necklace including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein as a jewelry chain lock:

-   -   FIG. 3A the connector in side cross section viewed from the         y-direction with the male component and the female component         mutually connected; and     -   FIG. 3B the connector in top cross section viewed from the         z-direction showing the locking component;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts an earring including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein having a decorative element on the male component viewed in side cross section;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts an earring including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein having a decorative element on the female component viewed in side cross section;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a necklace including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein as a jewelry chain lock, having a single male component and three female components; and

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a necklace including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein as a jewelry chain lock, having three male components and three female components.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention relate to connectors suitable for use with jewelry.

The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings of the invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art is able to implement the teachings of the invention without undue effort or experimentation. In the Figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting.

As discussed in the background above, there is a need for connectors in the art of jewelry, but many known connectors have disadvantages when used in jewelry, for example, one or more of: not being sufficiently secure or being fine and therefore weak, therefore risking undesirable detachment; being gross and unaesthetic; and/or comprising a relatively large amount of less valuable material such as base metals.

Some embodiments of the teachings herein relate to connectors suitable for use with jewelry, some of which embodiments at least partially overcome at least some of the disadvantages of connectors known in the art of jewelry. Specifically, some embodiments of a connector according to the teachings herein are one or more of fashioned substantially entirely of noble metals, especially gold; are resistant to damage and breaking; are easy to use even by a person having large hands; are secure in so far as preventing undesired opening of the connector; and are aesthetic.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the teachings herein, there is provided a female component of a connector suitable for use in jewelry configured for reversible mating with a male component, the male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking direction), the female component comprising:

-   i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume, the     hollow female body having:     -   a perforation through the wall for accepting a retention pin of         a male component therethrough into the internal volume, and     -   a button hole through the wall across from the perforation         providing fluid communication into the internal volume; -   ii. a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of a     male component when the retention pin of the male component is     positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male     component connected to the female component; -   iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and movable     along the axis, having:     -   a locking state when the locking component engages the retention         pin of a male component; and     -   a releasing state wherein the push button is moved away from the         button hole into the inner volume in a disengagement direction         opposite the locking direction, releasing the retention pin of         the male component from the locking component, thereby allowing         separation of the male component from the female component.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the teachings herein, there is also provided a connector suitable for use in jewelry, comprising:

-   a female component configured for reversible mating with a male     component, the male component including a male body and a retention     pin, the retention pin of the male component defining an axis and a     locking direction away from the male body (that is to say, the     retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking     direction), -   the female component including: -   i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume, the     hollow female body having:     -   a perforation through the wall for accepting a retention pin of         a male component therethrough into the internal volume, and     -   a button hole through the wall across from the perforation         providing fluid communication into the internal volume; -   ii. a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of a     male component when the retention pin of the male component is     positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male     component connected to the female component; -   iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and movable     along the axis, having:     -   a locking state when the locking component engages the retention         pin of a male component; and     -   a releasing state wherein the push button is moved away from the         button hole into the inner volume of the female body in a         disengagement direction opposite the locking direction,         releasing the retention pin of the male component from the         locking component, thereby allowing separation of the male         component from the female component.

In some embodiments, the connector further comprises a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the teachings herein, there is also provided a connector including two reversibly mateable components suitable for use in jewelry, the connector comprising:

-   a. a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the     retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the     male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from     the male body in the locking direction); and -   b. a female component configured for reversible mating with the male     component, the female component: including:     -   i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume,         the hollow female body having:         -   a perforation through the wall for accepting the retention             pin of the male component therethrough into the internal             volume, and         -   a button hole through the wall across from the perforation             providing fluid communication into the internal volume;     -   ii. a locking component configured to engage the retention pin         of the male component when the retention pin of the male         component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding         the male component connected to the female component;     -   iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and         movable along the axis, having:         -   a locking state where the locking component of the female             component engages the retention pin of the male component;             and         -   a releasing state wherein the push button is moved away from             the button hole into the inner volume of the female body in             a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction,             releasing the retention pin from the locking component,             thereby allowing separation of the male component from the             female component.

In FIGS. 1A to 1F is schematically depicted a pendant 10 including an embodiment of a connector 12 according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 1A is a side view from the y-direction of pendant 10 with a male component 14 and a female component 16 mutually connected.

FIG. 1B depicts male component 14 in side cross section viewed from the y-direction.

FIG. 1C depicts male component 14 in a top view from the z-direction.

FIG. 1D depicts a locking component 18 of connector 12, a radial force spring.

FIG. 1E depicts pendant 10 in side cross section viewed from the x-direction with male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected.

FIG. 1F depicts pendant 10 in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected.

Male component 14 of pendant 10 includes a male body 20 integrally formed with a retention pin 22 that defines an axis 24 and a downward direction 26 away from male body 20. Opposite retention pin 22 is a decorative element 28 (a pearl) secured to male body 20. As seen in FIG. 1B, retention pin 22 comprises a circumferential ridge 30 (that is to say, ridge 30 describes a complete circle around retention pin 22), ridge 30 having a greater dimension than a portion of retention pin 22 immediately above ridge 30. As discussed in greater detail below, ridge 30 is a feature that locking component 18 is configured to contact and thereby engage to maintain male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected when in the locking state.

Female component 16 is configured for reversible mating with male component 14.

Female component 16 includes a hollow female body 32 with a wall 34 defining an internal volume 36, having a perforation 38 through wall 34 for accepting retention pin 22 of male component 14 therethrough into internal volume 36, as depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1F. Female body 32 further comprises a button hole 40 through wall 34 across from perforation 38 providing fluid communication into internal volume 36. In connector 12 of pendant 10, female body 32 comprises a front cap 42 bearing perforation 38 and a backing ring 44 defining button hole 40. Front cap 42 also defines the greater part of the side walls of connector 12 of pendant 10. Front cap 42 and backing ring 44 are fixedly mutually attached by welding.

Locking component 18 of connector 12 is a radial force spring, depicted alone in FIG. 1D, and held inside internal volume 36 of fully-assembled connector 12 in FIGS. 1E and 1F. As depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1D, locking component 18 is configured to engage retention pin 22 when retention pin 22 is positioned through perforation 38, thereby holding male component 14 connected to female component 16 as detailed hereinbelow.

Female component 16 further comprises a push button 46 accessible through button hole 40 and movable along axis 24. Push button 46 has at least two states, a locking state and a releasing state.

When push button 46 is in the locking state (as depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1F), locking component 18 engages retention pin 22. Specifically, connector 12 of pendant 10 comprises locking component 18, an elastic radial-force spring of stainless steel that includes an outer circular section 48 and two parallel arms 50 each connected to circular section 48 by a respective S-shaped section 52. Outer circular section 48 renders locking component 18 self-centering when held inside internal volume 36 of female body 32 by applying an outwards force against wall 34, and also allows locking component 18 to be held in place by ledge 54 when placed inside front cap 42. Specifically, when connector 12 is fully assembled, outer circular section 48 and the ends of parallel arms 50 rest on ledge 54. In connector 12, locking component 18 is substantially entirely elastic and configured to be self-biasing to ordinarily engage retention pin 22 when retention pin 22 is positioned through perforation 38 and push button 46 is in the locking state. Specifically, locking component 18 is configured so that when push button 46 is in a locking state and a retention pin 22 is positioned through perforation 38, parallel arms 50 apply an inwardly radial force against retention pin 22 just above ridge 30 and the respective bottom surfaces of parallel arms 50 press against ridge 30, as depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1F. The force applied by locking component 18 is such that retention pin 22 cannot substantially move, thereby holding male component 14 connected to female component 16.

As seen in FIGS. 1E and 1F, in connector 12 of pendant 10, when push button 46 is in the locking state, push button 46 extends by a small amount in downward direction 26 beyond flush with a bottom surface 56 of female body 32.

As seen in FIGS. 1E and 1F, in connector 12 of pendant 10, when male component 14 and female component 16 are mutually connected, a substantial portion of male component 14 facing female component 16 is flat, and a substantial portion of female component 16 facing male component 14 is flat. When the two components are mutually connected, the two flat facing portions are in contact and parallel.

In connector 12 of pendant 10, push button 46 is ordinarily maintained in a locking state by the force applied by two cylindrical coil springs 58 of stainless steel functioning as elastic button-biasers biased to ordinarily maintain push button 46 in a locking state. More specifically, coil springs 58 are biased to ordinarily maintain push button 46 in a locking state nestled against an inner surface 60 of button hole 40. Among other advantages, such nestling is aesthetic and prevents contamination of internal volume 36.

In some embodiments of the teachings herein, such as in connector 12 of pendant 10, an elastic button-biaser comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer. In some embodiments, an elastic button-biaser used in implementing embodiments of the teachings herein comprises or is of an elastic polymer material such as rubber, silicone rubber. In some embodiments, an elastic button-biaser used in implementing embodiments of the teachings herein comprises or is of a metal. In some embodiments, an elastic button-biaser used in implementing embodiments of the teachings herein comprises or is substantially a spring, e.g., a leaf spring, a compression spring, a compression coil spring, a wave washer, a stacked wave washer.

As seen in FIGS. 1E and 1F, in connector 12 of pendant 10, when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, male body 20 is inset in female body 32 so that a view to a seam 62 between female body 32 and male body 20 perpendicular to downward direction 26 is substantially entirely obstructed by parts of female body 32.

Connector 12 of pendant 10 is configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, substantially no tilting motion of male component 14 relative to female component 16 perpendicular to axis 24 is possible. Specifically, the tolerance between the inner diameter of perforation 38 and the outer diameter of the corresponding portion of retention pin 22, as well as the tolerance between the outer walls of male body 20 and the walls of a void 64 in female body 32 in which male component 14 is inset are sufficiently small (e.g., in some embodiments, not more than 0.5 mm, not more than 0.3 mm and in some embodiments not more than 0.2 mm) to prevent substantial tilting motion of male component 14 relative to female component 16 perpendicular to axis 24, e.g., not more than ±6°, not more than ±3°, not more than ±2°, not more than ±1° and even not more than ±0.5°.

Connector 12 of pendant 10 is configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, male component 14 cannot rotate around axis 24, e.g., by not more than ±15°, by not more than ±10°, by not more than ±6°, by not more than ±4° and even by not more than ±2°.

As seen in FIG. 1C, a first such anti-rotation feature is that the periphery of male body 20 is square-shaped and comprises vertices 66 that are features that engage features of female component 16 (not depicted vertices of square void 64 in which male body 20 is inset), the vertices together preventing rotation of male component 14 relative to female component 16 around axis 24.

As seen in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1F, a second such anti-rotation feature is that male component 14 comprises an anti-rotation pin 68 configured to engage an anti-rotation hole 70 in female component 16 when male component 14 is connected to female component 16.

Separation of Male and Female Components

In FIGS. 1A, 1E and 1F, connector 12 is depicted with male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected, where push button 46 is in a locking state and locking component 18 engages retention pin 22.

To separate male component 14 from female component 16, push button 46 is moved to the releasing state by applying a force in an upward direction 72 opposite downward direction 26 while male component 14 is left free to separate from female component 16. Push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 in direction 72 away from inner surface 60 and into internal volume 36 of female body 32. As a result, retention pin 22 is released from locking component 18, separating male component 14 from female component 16.

More specifically, in connector 12 of pendant 10, push button 46 comprises a portion, a push-peg 74, that when push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 as noted above, the portion contacts retention pin 22, thereby pushing male component 14 away from female component 16 in direction 72 opposite downward direction 26, thereby separating male component 14 from female component 16. In connector 12 of pendant 10, push-peg 74 is integrally formed with push button 46. In some alternative embodiments, a portion such as a push-peg is attached to a respective push button 46. As seen in FIGS. 1E and 1F, the distal end of push-peg 74 is a convex hemisphere while the distal end of retention pin 22 is a matching socket, so that push-peg 74 and retention pin 22 are thereby configured to mate and to self-center when mated, eliminating any substantial chance of slippage and ensuring that a force transferred to retention pin 22 through push-peg 74 is along axis 24.

In some alternative embodiments of a connector according to the teachings herein, a push-peg and a retention pin are not configured to mate. In some alternative embodiments of a connector according to the teachings herein, a push peg and retention pin configured to mate are not configured to self-center. In some embodiments of a connector according to the teachings herein, a push peg and a retention pin that are configured to mate and self-center have a different shape than those discussed for connector 12 of pendant 10, for example, the distal end of the retention pin is convex and the distal end of the push-peg is concave. In some embodiments, pairs of mating shapes different than ball and socket are used, for example, concave/convex conical sections, crenellations and the like.

In connector 12 of pendant 10, when male component 14 and female component 16 are connected and push button 46 is in the locking state, the distal end of push-peg 74 contacts the distal end of retention pin 22. Such contact reduces the change of even minor movement of push button 46 or of male component 14 relative to female body 32, giving pendant 10 a high-quality aesthetic appearance and feel. In some embodiments, when male component 14 and female component 16 are connected and push button 46 is in the locking state, the distal end of a push-peg and a distal end of a retention pin are separated by not more than 0.5 mm, not more than 0.3 mm and even not more than 0.1 mm.

Mating of Male and Female Components

To mate unconnected male component 14 and female component 16, retention pin 22 of male component 14 is threaded through perforation 38 in direction 26 so that the distal end of retention pin 22 enters internal volume 36 of female body 32, while push button 46 is not pushed in an upward direction 72 opposite downward direction 26. The distal tip of retention pin 22 contacts parallel arms 50 of locking component 18. With further advancement of male body 20 relative to female body 32 in direction 26, retention pin 22 pushes parallel arms 50 apart until ridge 30 passes parallel arms 50. When ridge 30 passes parallel arms 50, parallel arms 50 move radially inwards to contact the shaft of retention pin 22 and ridge 30, thereby engaging retention pin and holding male component 14 connected to female component 16. When male component 14 reaches the maximum extent of advancement, the distal tip of retention pin 22 contacts and mates with push-peg 74. As a result, push button 46 is pressed against inner surface 60 of button hole 40, while ridge 30 is prevented from moving away from parallel arms 50 of locking component 18.

In connector 12 of pendant 10, retention pin 22 is integrally formed with male body 20. In some alternative embodiments, a retention pin is attached to a respective male body, for example, immovably attached e.g., by welding, or movably attached, e.g. with a hinge, with a pin or with an axle.

In pendant 10, locking component 18 is a single monolithic component that is substantially entirely elastic and self-biasing. In some embodiments, a locking component includes multiple discrete parts that together make up the locking component. In some such embodiments, some components are elastic. In some such embodiments, some components are not elastic. In some embodiments, one, some or all of the parts of the locking component are fashioned of a polymer, e.g., rubber, silicone rubber. In some embodiments, one, some or all of the parts of the locking component are fashioned of a metal. In some embodiments, one, some or all of the parts of the locking component are substantially a spring, e.g., a leaf spring, a flat spring, a radial-force spring.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B is schematically depicted a ring 76 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 78. In FIG. 2A, ring 76 is depicted in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with a male component 14 connected to a female component 16 and in FIG. 2B ring 76 is depicted in top cross section viewed from the z-direction showing a locking component 18 from the top. Many components and workings of connector 78 of ring 76 are similar to or analogous to those of connector 12 of pendant 10 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 with a few notable differences.

A first notable difference as seen in FIG. 2A, is that in connector 75 of ring 76, when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, female body 32 is covered by male body 20 so that a view to a seam 62 between female body 32 and male body 20 perpendicular to downward direction 26 is substantially entirely obstructed by parts of male body 32.

Similarly to connector 12 of pendant 10, female body 32 of connector 78 comprises a front cap 42 bearing perforation 38 and a backing ring 44 defining button hole 40. However, whereas in connector 12 of pendant 10, front cap 42 also defines the greater part of the side walls of female body 32, as seen in FIG. 2A the side walls of female body 32 of connector 78 of ring 76 are defined substantially entirely by backing ring 44. Additionally, unlike in connect 12 of pendant 10, in connector 78 of ring 76, front cap 42 and backing ring 44 are reversibly mutually attached with complementary screw threads as known in the art of gold watchmaking.

An additional notable difference as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B is that connector 78 of ring 76 is devoid of a ledge 54 around the inner surface of female body 36 as in connector 12 of pendant 10. Instead, female body 32 of connector 78 includes a support (supporting ring 80) integrally formed with and protruding from front cap 42 into internal volume 36 of female body 32. Supporting ring 80 maintains locking component 18 in place inside internal volume 36. No less importantly, supporting ring 80 prevents parallel arms 50 of locking component 18 from being pushed in a downward direction 26 when retention pin 22 is threaded through perforation 38, thereby strengthening the force with which male component 14 is held connected to female component 16.

A further notable difference, as seen in FIG. 2A, is that in connector 78 of ring 76, when push button 46 is in a locking state, push button 46 is flush with a bottom surface 56 of female body 32, and therefore extends no further than flush with female body 32 in downward direction 26.

Similarly to connector 12 of pendant 10, connector 78 of ring 80 is configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, male component 14 cannot substantially rotate around axis 24. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 2A, female component 16 comprises an anti-rotation pin 68 configured to engage an anti-rotation hole 70 in male component 14 when male component 14 is connected to female component 16.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B is schematically depicted a chain 82 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 84, as a jewelry chain lock. In FIG. 3A, connector 84 is depicted in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with a male component 14 connected to a female component 16 and in FIG. 3B connector 84 is depicted in top cross section viewed from the z-direction showing a locking component 18. Many components and workings of connector 84 of chain 82 are similar to or analogous to those of connectors 12 and 78 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 respectively, with a few notable differences.

A first notable difference is the construction of locking component 18, the manner in which locking component 18 is configured to engage a retention pin 22 when in a locking state, and the mechanism by which male component 14 and female component 16 are separated when in a releasing state.

In connector 84, retention pin 22 comprises protrusions 86. Locking component 18 comprises two discrete and separate components, curved leaf springs 18 a and 18 b that include protrusions 88 that are complementary to protrusions 86 of retention pin 22. When retention pin 22 is inside perforation 38 in the locking state, leaf springs 18 a and 18 b press against retention pin 22, so that protrusion 88 mate with protrusions 86 on retention pin 22, preventing release of male component 14 from female component 16.

In connector 84, push button 46 comprises a portion, release pin 90 that protrudes from push button 46 in a direction opposite downward direction 26. When push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 to a releasing state release pin 90, contacts a part of locking component 18 to move the part of locking component 18 and thereby to at least partially disengage locking component 18 from retention pin 22. Specifically, in connector 84, release pin 90 is shaped so that when push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 to a releasing state, the distal tip of release pin 90 pushes leaf springs 18 a and 18 b sideways in directions perpendicular to downward direction 26. As a result, protrusions 86 and 88 are separated, releasing retention pin 22 from locking component 18.

A release pin may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments such as in connector 84, a release pin has a tapering distal end (e.g., a conical, ogive, parabolic, wedge shaped).

As seen in FIG. 3A, in connector 84 release pin 90 additionally functions as a push-peg 74 as described above pushing the end of retention pin 22 in an upward direction 72 in parallel to releasing retention pin 22 from locking component 18.

As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an additional notable difference relates to the button-biaser of connector 84. As discussed above, connectors 12 and 78 each include two coil springs 58 as button-biasers to continuously apply a force to maintain push button 46 pressed against inner surface 60 of button hole 40 in a locking state. In contrast, connector 84 includes a single stacked wave washer spring 92 as a button-biaser.

As seen in FIG. 3A, a further notable difference is that the contact surfaces of the male and female components are not flat. Specifically, in connector 84 when male component 14 and female component 16 are mutually connected, most of the portion of male component 14 facing female component 16 is curved; and most of the portion of female component 16 facing male component 14 is curved.

In FIG. 4 is schematically depicted an earring 94 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 96, and in FIG. 5 is schematically depicted an earring 98 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 100, both in side cross section. Many components and workings of connectors 96 and 100 are similar to or analogous to those of connectors 12, 78 and 84 discussed above, with a few notable differences.

As known in the art of earrings, earrings 94 and 98 are configured to be worn where a male component 14 is on one side of an ear lobe, a female component 16 is on the other side of the ear lobe, and where retention pin 22 passes through and spans the ear lobe. Both earrings 94 and 98 are configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, substantially no tilting motion perpendicular to axis 24 is possible, specifically by the substantial length of perforation 38 afforded by a neck 102 that extends from female body 16 towards a male body 20 of a connected male component 16, and by the fact that the inner diameter of perforation 38 and the outer diameter of retention pin 22 are manufactured to a tolerance that precludes substantial tilting. In earrings 94 and 98, rotation of male component 14 around axis 24 relative to female component 16 is possible and not precluded.

In earring 94, male component 14 comprises a decorative element 28 and is thereby configured to be worn with male component 14 on the outer side of an ear lobe.

In earring 98, female component 16 comprises a decorative element 28 and is thereby configured to be worn with female component 16 on the outer side of an ear lobe.

In earring 98, a decorative cap 104 is welded and thereby rigidly secured to push button 46. To allow such welding, decorative cap 104 includes perforations 106 (only one perforation is depicted) that are also decorative. When decorative cap 104 is pushed in a direction opposite downward direction 26, push button 46 is also pushed in the same direction, thereby allowing separation of male component 14 from female component 16. In earring 98, decorative cap 104 comprises walls 108 that encircle female body 16 to at least partially hide the mechanism of connector 100.

A connector according to teachings herein may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials using any suitable technique or combination of techniques with which a person having ordinary skill in the art is familiar.

Although any material may be used, an advantage of some embodiments of the teachings herein is that substantially all of the components of the connector are fashioned from precious metals. In some such embodiments, substantially all of the components of the connector are fashioned of a gold alloy comprising at least 33% by weight gold (8 karats). In some such embodiments, substantially all of the components of the connector are fashioned of a gold alloy comprising not less than 33% by weight gold (9 karats), not less than 41.7% by weight gold (10 karats), not less than 50% by weight gold (12 karats), not less than 58.3% by weight gold (14 karats), not less than 66.7% by weight gold (16 karats), not less than 75% by weight gold (18 karats), not less than 83.3% by weight gold (20 karats) and in some embodiments, not less than 91.7% by weight gold (22 karats).

In some embodiments, substantially all of the components are made of gold except an elastic member of a locking component and/or an elastic button biaser as elastic members made of gold are atypical. That said, in some embodiments one or more such elastic elements are made of an elastic gold or alloy thereof, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,132.

As noted above, a connector according to the teachings herein may be made using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. Prototypes of connectors according to the teachings herein implemented as components of pendants and rings, excepting precious stones and glass as decorative elements were fashioned substantially entirely of 16k gold using free form manufacture (3D-printing) where only the elastic member of a locking component and the elastic button biaser were stainless steel springs.

Some embodiments of connectors according to the teachings herein are used as components of jewelry, allowing reversible connection of portions of such jewelry.

In some embodiments, such as pendant 10, a single item of jewelry has one male component and one female component. In some embodiments, a single item of jewelry has at least two male components. In some embodiments, a single item of jewelry has at least two female components. In some embodiments, a single item of jewelry has at least two male components and at least two female components. In some embodiments, multiple male and/or female components of a single item of jewelry allow the jewelry to be worn in different ways, depending which of the multiple male and/or female components are connected. Two examples of such embodiments are discussed below.

Jewelry often includes decorative elements. Some jewelry includes reversibly attachable decorative elements, to allow a wearer to change a decorative element that is being worn with the same item of jewelry, for example to match the color of a decorative element depending on the clothes worn.

In some embodiments a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of jewelry, for reversibly associating an element with the jewelry, in some embodiments, a decorative element.

For example, in both pendant 10 depicted in FIG. 1 and ring 76 depicted in FIG. 2, female component 14 is the primary portion of the jewelry (e.g., in terms of weight of precious metal and value) while male component 14 bears a decorative element 28 that is easily changeable in accordance with the teachings herein.

Encircling jewelry is jewelry that surrounds a portion of the body of a wearer that, in some instances, has reversibly attachable ends. When the ends are detached and the jewelry is in an open state, the jewelry is easily put on and taken off the body of a wearer. When the ends are attached and the jewelry is in a closed curve state around a portion of the body of a wearer, the jewelry is secure and does not fall off the wearer. Typical encircling jewelry having reversibly attachable ends includes necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets and hip chains. Encircling jewelry often is provided with a jewelry chain lock that allows secure reversible attachment of the ends.

In some embodiments a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of encircling jewelry for reversibly attaching ends of the encircling jewelry. In some such embodiments, for example chain 82 depicted in FIG. 3, an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein is a jewelry chain lock. In some embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 3, such as in chain 82, the connector includes a single male component 14 and a single female component 16.

In some embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 6, a connector of a single item of jewelry includes at least two male components 14 (in FIG. 6, three male components 14 a, 14 b and 14 c) and at least one female component 16, the at least two male components 14 attached at different positions along the length of the jewelry.

In some embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 7, a connector includes at least two female component 16 (in FIG. 7, three female components 16 a, 16 b and 16 c) and at least one male component 14 (in FIG. 7, three male components 14 a, 14 b and 14 c), the at least two female components 16 attached at different positions along the length of the jewelry.

Such embodiments having multiple male and/or female components along the length of the jewelry allow the diameter of the encircling jewelry when worn to be changed in accordance with the desire of a wearer.

Piercing jewelry is jewelry that passes through bodily tissue of a wearer and includes jewelry such as earrings, nose-rings, brow-rings, navel rings, lip-rings, tongue-rings, nipple rings, genital rings. In some embodiments, such as earrings 94 and 98, the retention pin 22 of the male component 14 is configured to pass through bodily tissue when the piercing jewelry is worn. It is important to note that in this context “ring” is a synonym for piercing jewelry rather than a geometric description and includes such shapes as “barbell” jewelry.

In some embodiments a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of piercing jewelry, for reversibly securing the piercing jewelry to the body a wearer, for example, earrings 94 and 98 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting. 

1. A connector suitable for use in jewelry, comprising: a female component configured for reversible mating with a male component, the male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a downward direction away from the male body, the female component including: i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume, said hollow female body having: a perforation through said wall for accepting a retention pin of a male component therethrough into said internal volume, and a button hole through said wall across from said perforation providing fluid communication into said internal volume; ii. a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of a male component when the retention pin of the male component is positioned through said perforation, thereby holding the male component connected to said female component; and iii. a push button accessible through said button hole and movable along said axis, having: a locking state where said locking component engages the retention pin of a male component; and a releasing state wherein said push button is moved away from said button hole into said inner volume in a disengagement direction opposite said locking direction, releasing the retention pin of the male component from said locking component, thereby allowing separation of the male component from said female component.
 2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising: a male component including a male body and a retention pin, said retention pin defining an axis and a downward direction away from said male body. 3-8. (canceled)
 9. The connector of claim 1, wherein when said male component is connected to said female component, a view to at least some portion of a seam between said female body and said male body perpendicular to said locking direction is obstructed by part of said female body.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The connector of claim 1, wherein when said male component is connected to said female component, a view to at least some portion of a seam between said female body and said male body perpendicular to said locking direction is obstructed by part of said male body.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The connector of claim 1, configured so that when said male component is connected to said female component, substantially no tilting motion of said retention pin relative to said perforation perpendicular to said axis is possible optionally wherein said configuration includes that a tolerance between said male component and said female component is sufficiently small to prevent substantial said tilting motion.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The connector of claim 1, configured so that when said male component is connected to said female component, said male component cannot rotate around said axis relative to said female component, optionally wherein at least one of said male component and said female component comprises an anti rotation pin configured to engage a hole in said other component when said male component is connected said female component thereby preventing said rotation around said axis. 16-18. (canceled)
 19. The connector of claim 1, wherein when said push button is in said locking state, said push button extends no further than flush with said female body in said locking direction.
 20. The connector of any claim 1, said retention pin comprising at least one feature configured to be engaged by said locking component and said locking component is configured to engage said retention pin through at least one of said at least one features when in said locking state. 21-25. (canceled)
 26. The connector of claim 1, said locking component comprising an elastic member configured to bias said locking component to ordinarily engage said retention pin when said retention pin is positioned through said perforation and said push button is in said locking state, optionally wherein said elastic member of said locking component comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The connector of claim 1, wherein said push button comprises a portion that, when said push button is moved away from said button hole), contacts said retention pin, thereby pushing said male component away from said female component in said disengagement direction.
 29. The connector of claim 28, wherein said portion that contacts said retention pin when said push button is moved away from said button hole comprises a push-peg.
 30. The connector of claim 29, wherein said push-peg is integrally formed with said push button.
 31. The connector of claim 29, wherein said push-peg is attached to said push button.
 32. The connector of claim 28, wherein a distal end of said push-peg and a distal end of said retention pin are configured to mate, optionally, wherein a distal end of said push-peg and a distal end of said retention pin are configured to self-center when mated.
 33. (canceled)
 34. The connector of claim 32, wherein a first one of said distal end of said push-peg and said distal end of said retention pin is convex and a second one of said distal end of said push-peg and said distal end of said retention pin is concave.
 35. The connector of claim 32, wherein a first one of said distal end of said push-peg and said distal end of said retention pin is a ball and a second one of said distal end of said push-peg and said distal end of said retention pin is a corresponding socket.
 36. The connector of claim 29, wherein in said locking state, said distal end of said push-peg and said distal end of said retention pin are separated by not more than 0.5 mm.
 37. The connector of claim 1, wherein said push button comprises a portion that, when said push button is moved away from said button hole, said portion contacts a part of said locking component to move said part and thereby to at least partially disengage said locking component from said retention pin, optionally wherein said part of said locking component that is moved is moved sideways in a direction perpendicular to said locking direction when said push button is moved away from said button hole.
 38. (canceled)
 39. The connector of claim 37, wherein said portion of said push button is a release pin that protrudes from said push button in said disengagement direction opposite said locking direction, optionally said release pin having a tapering distal end.
 40. (canceled)
 41. The connector of claim 1, further comprising an elastic button biaser, biased to ordinarily maintain said push button in said locking state, optionally wherein said button biaser comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer. 42-48. (canceled) 